Jessica Zimmerman, mom of three, built a million dollar empire & worked fewer than 30 hours a week
I’m a floral designer turned online educator, and when I’m not teaching creatives how to run profitable businesses that support a thriving personal life, I’m mothering my three kids. I’m an unabashed entrepreneur in all aspects of life, always seeking to improve and evolve, whether it’s helping a wedding planner improve her client intake system or making the pick up line at my daughter’s preschool more efficient. I believe that with the right tools, no business owner has to sacrifice his or her personal life or work gains.
What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? Is having your own business something you always wanted?
I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I didn’t have a specific business in mind, but I knew that I wanted a lifestyle that would allow me to work and still be an engaged mom. I knew I wanted to continue working after having kids, and being my own boss would allow me to create my own schedule. A few weeks ago, my son was sick, and I got to take off all week to be with him. That’s what it’s all about for me.
Do you have a fixed work routine? Is it important to have one? Any tips for our readers?
You HAVE to have a clear work routine. I’m passionate that consistency is way more important than motivation. If I’m going to stay motivated, I’m going to have to have a routine. Every day, I drop my kids off and then go to my studio. I take morning meetings, and I don’t ever check my emails until after lunch! I shut everything down and prepare for the next day so I can leave the office to workout at two, and then I pick my kids up from school. That is a super short and sweet version, but having a reliable daily schedule allows me to be as productive as possible, so that when I’m home I can be all there. If you would like a full list of my go-to productivity hacks that help me create work life balance, you can grab them right here.
What do you think about company culture? What are some of your tips on being a good leader?
As you scale your business, creating a positive culture is imperative to the success of your company. My job is to encourage and lead my team so they can be as productive and fulfilled in their work as possible. This starts with hiring. I’m very selective in my hiring process, which ensures that the roles I need filled are being filled by people uniquely equipped to complete those tasks. This ensures that my employees are doing jobs that they love and they’re good at, which increases job satisfaction! I love encouraging and incentivizing my team members by verbalizing appreciation early and often, and by sending small gifts periodically, like an amazon gift card.
What are some pros and cons of having (OR not having) entrepreneurial parents?
The other day, I asked my son if there was anything at all that he was interested in, that he wanted to learn more about. He told me he wanted to learn how to play the drums, so I found an actual saint who was willing to teach a three year old how to play the drums, and he started drum lessons. As an entrepreneurial parent myself, I love that I can foster any interests my kids might have. I’m able to take this entire summer off to be with my kids. I’m so thankful that I have a job that allows me to do this. At the same time, my kids know that I travel for weddings and speaking engagements, and I’m glad that they can see me working hard at something I love. As far as cons, I know that at some point, my entrepreneurial brain that always seeks to improve and move forward could cause friction with my kids. I have to stop myself from getting too intense and excited when watching my daughter, Stella, playing softball!